Producer for Derby's Cultural Campus project announced

Derby Theatre, Déda, QUAD and The Mighty Creatives are thrilled to announce David Chabeaux as Producer for the Derby City Cultural Campus project.

On behalf of, and in partnership with this collective of arts organisations, David will lead on the development and delivery of this new cultural education programme for children and young people in the city, working in collaboration with a wide variety of locally based cultural, educational and business partners to create a truly world-class service.

The Cultural Campus was formed in 2015 and the aim of this exciting and innovative scheme aims to make Derby a city where arts, culture and learning converge to inspire, engage and raise standards for learners both inside and outside the classroom. Now with David’s appointment, he will forge ahead, in partnership with each arts organisation, in developing the campus further to provide many opportunities for young people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with, and participate in, culture and the arts in Derby.

Derby-born David is an award-winning composer, singer-songwriter and actor whose work has been seen and heard worldwide, from New York Fashion Week and concerts at The Royal Albert Hall, to Films and TV productions for Warner Bros, Sky, The BBC, Channel 4, NBC, CBS and ABC. He regularly collaborates with celebrated performers, artists and pioneering figures around the world using the power of the arts to spark, and influence, positive community change.

As a renowned speaker and former Director and coach at the global consulting firm of the great American leadership guru Dr Stephen R Covey – author of seminal book ‘The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People‘ – David also has a wealth of experience in the fields of business and education, having worked alongside some of the most inspirational and innovative leaders, education institutes and organisations on the planet.

David Chabeaux said: “My aim is always to use art to ignite a spark in people. We all have a unique and authentic voice in the world, and I try to use mine to help others find, and use, theirs. I’m also passionate about my home city of Derby. We have so much talent and innovation to be proud of - particularly artistically - and it is time that we made the world sit up and take notice. Accepting the role as Producer of Derby’s Cultural Campus is a real thrill because it gives me the opportunity to offer my skills and experience in the arts, in business and in education toward that cause.”

Caroline Barth (Head of Learning, Derby Theatre) said: “This is a very exciting programme for the city and we are delighted to have found someone like David with such a diverse range of skills to take it forward to the next stage. It is increasingly important for arts organisations to work together to ensure we have a comprehensive and yet simple offer for our schools. This needs to be an offer which responds to the needs of young people and brings something additional to their learning. In Derby, we are proud to be in the vanguard with this collective approach.”

Sandra Greatorex (Education Curator, QUAD) said: “The Cultural Campus programme aims specifically to support the young people of Derby to develop and excel at vital skills that employers are increasingly asking for; such as communication, creativity, teamwork, time management, problem solving and a positive attitude to work. It also aims to raise their aspirations, and places real life experiences relevant to the world of work in Derby at the heart their learning, enabling and inspiring them to secure the jobs that they dream of.

Claire Limb (Head of Dance Development and Learning, Déda) said: “The long-term shift from production to a service-driven economy means that soft skills, or "employability skills”, are becoming increasingly important to employers sifting through the CVs of a growing pool of similar looking applicants. As a result, this makes these skills increasingly important for young people in the working world. The Cultural Campus ultimately aims to unlock potential and for young people to realise their dreams and ambitions which could enable them to grow, develop and fly.”

David will take up his role as Producer for the Cultural Campus from mid-January.

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